Ram Concept

RAM Conce pt  Version 2.10

August 2006

RAM International 2744 Loker Avenue West Carlsbad, CA 92010 Telephone: (760) ( 760) 431-3610 Toll Free: (800) 726-7789 Fax: (760) 431-5214

DAA0369010-1/0001

DISCLAIMER The software and related documentation, including this documentation, are protected by both United States copyright law and international treaty provisions. Any unauthorized copying or reproduction is strictly prohibited and subject to civil and criminal penalties. Please refer to the License Agreement for authorization to make a backup copy of the software. You may not sell this software or documentation or give copies of them away to anyone else. Except as expressly warranted in the License Agreement, RAM International disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to the software, the accompanying written materials, and any accompanying hardware. All results should be verified to the user's satisfaction. The contents of these written materials may include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors and may be revised without prior notice.

Copyright attribution: © 2006, Bentley Systems, Incorporated. All rights reserved.

Trademark attribution: RAM Conce pt  Conce pt  and  and RAM Structural System are either registered or unregistered trademarks or service marks of Bentley Systems, Incorporated or one of its direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. Other brands and  product names are trademarks of their respective owners.

DAA0369010-1/0001

DISCLAIMER The software and related documentation, including this documentation, are protected by both United States copyright law and international treaty provisions. Any unauthorized copying or reproduction is strictly prohibited and subject to civil and criminal penalties. Please refer to the License Agreement for authorization to make a backup copy of the software. You may not sell this software or documentation or give copies of them away to anyone else. Except as expressly warranted in the License Agreement, RAM International disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to the software, the accompanying written materials, and any accompanying hardware. All results should be verified to the user's satisfaction. The contents of these written materials may include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors and may be revised without prior notice.

Copyright attribution: © 2006, Bentley Systems, Incorporated. All rights reserved.

Trademark attribution: RAM Conce pt  Conce pt  and  and RAM Structural System are either registered or unregistered trademarks or service marks of Bentley Systems, Incorporated or one of its direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. Other brands and  product names are trademarks of their respective owners.

DAA0369010-1/0001

RAM Conce pt  Table of Contents 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..11 1.1 Comparing with “traditional” methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1.2 RAM Conce pt  options  options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1.3 Strip Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..11 1.4 Structural systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..11 1.5  New features in Version Version 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 1.6 Technical Technical support s upport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..33

2 Looking at the Workspace  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..55 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8

About the workspace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..55 Creating and opening files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..55 Saving a file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..55 About templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..6 6 Expanding tool buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..66 Rearranging toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..66 Using the right mouse button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..7 7 Undoing changes

3 Understanding Layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..99 3.1 Modeling with objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..99 3.2 Managing layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..99

4 Using Plans and Perspectives  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6

Using plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..11 11 Creating new plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Viewing perspectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Creating new perspectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Controlling views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Setting up the grid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..14 14

15 5 Drawing and Editing Objects  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..15

5.1 Precision drawing with snaps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..15 15 5.2 Drawing objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..15 15 5.3 Entering coordinate points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..15 15 5.4 Using relative coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..16 16 5.5 Selecting objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..16 16 5.6 Deselecting objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..16 16 5.7 Cutting, copying, and pasting objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..16 16 5.8 Moving, rotating, stretching, and mirroring objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..17 17 5.9 Using the Utility tool to move and stretch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 5.10 Manipulating the model as a whole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 18 5.11 Editing object properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..18 5.12 Setting default properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..18 18 5.13 Adding reference lines, dimensions, and text notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 19 6 Viewing Objects in Text Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..19

6.1 Customizing tables

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..19 19

7 Choosing Units  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..21 21 7.1 About units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..21 21 7.2 Selecting units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..21 21 7.3 Specifying report as zero . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..21 21

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8 Choosing Sign Convention  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..23 23 8.1 Selecting sign convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..23 23 8.2 About plot sign convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..24 24

9 Specifying Material Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..25 25 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4

Viewing Viewing the available materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..25 25 Material properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..25 25 Adding and deleting materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..26 26 About post-tensioning systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..26 26

10 Specifying Loadings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..29 29 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8 10.9

About default loadings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..29 29 Viewing the loadings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..29 29 Loading properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..29 29 About loading types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..30 30 30 Available Available loading types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..30 Changing Loading Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..31 31 Changing Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..31 31 Adding and deleting loadings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..31 31 About load pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..32 32

11 Specifying Load Combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..35 35 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6

About default load combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..35 35 Viewing Viewing the load combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..35 35 Rebuilding load combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..35 35 Adding and deleting load combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..36 36 36 Load combination properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..36 About alternate envelope factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..36 36

12 Selecting Design Rules  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..39 39 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4

Using rule set designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..39 39 Rule set design properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..40 40 40 Types Types of active r ules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..40 Adding and deleting rule set designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..40 40

13 Using a CAD Drawing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..41 41 13.1 Importing, verifying and viewing a drawing

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..41 41

14 Importing a Database from the RAM Structural System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 14.6

What can be imported from the RAM Structural System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Controlling which concrete members are imported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 About load importation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..44 44 Importing a database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..45 45 Reimporting a database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..46 46 Limitations, Defaults and Assumptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..47 47

49 15 Data Transfer from STAAD  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..49

15.1 STAAD Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..49 49 15.2 RAM Concept Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..49 49

16 Defining the Structure  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..51 51 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 16.6 16.7 16.8 16.9

ii

51 Using the Mesh Input Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..51 About columns and walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..51 51 Column properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..51 51 Drawing columns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..52 52 Wall properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..52 52 Drawing walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..52 52 About point and line supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..53 53 Point support properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..53 53 Drawing point supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..53 53

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16.10 16.11 16.12 16.13 16.14 16.15 16.16 16.17 16.18 16.19 16.20 16.21 16.22 16.23 16.24 16.25 16.26 16.27

Line support properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..53 53 Drawing line supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..53 53 About springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..54 54 Point spring properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..54 54 Drawing point springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..54 54 Line spring properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..54 54 Drawing line springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..55 55 Area spring properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..55 55 Drawing area springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..55 55 About floor areas and members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..56 56 Slab area properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..56 56 Drawing slab areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..57 57 About beams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..57 57 Beam properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..57 57 Drawing beams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..58 58 Slab opening properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..58 58 58 Drawing slab openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..58 Checking the structure definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

17 Generating the Mesh  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..61 61 17.1 Generating the mesh automatically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 17.2 Selectively refining the mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..62 62 65 18 Manually Drawing the Finite Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..65

18.1 Using the Element layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..65 65 18.2 About column elements and wall elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..65 65 18.3 Column element properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..65 65 18.4 Drawing column elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..65 65 66 18.5 Wall element properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..66 18.6 Drawing wall elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..66 66 18.7 About point and line supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..66 66 18.8 Point support properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..67 67 18.9 Drawing point supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..67 67 67 18.10 Line support properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..67 18.11 Drawing line supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..67 67 67 18.12 About springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..67 18.13 Point spring properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..67 67 18.14 Drawing point springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..68 68 18.15 Line spring properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..68 68 18.16 Drawing line springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..68 68 18.17 Area spring properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..68 68 18.18 Drawing area springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..68 68 18.19 About floor areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..68 68 18.20 Slab element properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..68 68 18.21 Drawing the slab elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..69 69 18.22 A few final words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..69 69 71 19 Drawing Loads  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..71

19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 19.5 19.6 19.7 19.8 19.9

About self-weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..71 71 About superposition of loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..71 71 Point load properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..71 71 Drawing point loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..71 71 Line load properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..71 71 Drawing line loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..72 72 Area load properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..72 72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..73 73 Drawing area loads Copying loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..73 73

75 20 Creating Pattern Loading  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..75

20.1 Deciding how many load patterns to use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 20.2 Drawing load patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..75 75

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iii

20.3 Load pattern filtering

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..75 75

79 21 Defining Tendons Tendons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..79

21.1 21.2 21.3 21.4 21.5 21.6 21.7 21.8 21.9

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..79 79 Using the latitude and longitude tendon layers Tendon properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..79 79 About drawing tendons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..80 80 Drawing single tendons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..80 80 Drawing multiple tendons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..81 81 Editing tendons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..82 82 About jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..83 83 Jack properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..83 83 Drawing the jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..84 84

85 22 Defining Design Strips  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..85

22.1 Definition of a design strip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..85 85 22.2 Design strip terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..85 85 22.3 Understanding how a design strip works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 22.4 The design strip process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..86 86 22.5 Span segment properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..88 88 22.6 Creating span segments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..91 91 22.7 Creating span segment strips (design strips) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 22.8 Defining span segment widths and strip widths manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 22.9 Cross Section Trimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..97 97 100 22.10 Improving the mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..100 22.11 Additional design strip information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..100 100 22.12 Irregular column layouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..100 100 22.13 Miscellaneous tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..105 105 22.14 A final word on design strips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..105 105 107 23 Defining Design Sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..107

23.1 23.2 23.3 23.4 23.5

Using design sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..107 107 Design section properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..107 107 Drawing design sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..107 107 About ignore depths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..108 108 109 A final word on design sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..109

24 Defining Punching Shear Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 24.1 24.2 24.3 24.4

About punching shear checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Punching shear check properties and options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Drawing punching shear checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 A final word on punching shear checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

113 25 Using Live Load Reduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..113

25.1 25.2 25.3 25.4 25.5 25.6 25.7

About Live Load Reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Live Load Reduction Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Setting the Live Load Reduction Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 113 Live Loading Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..113 Live Load Reduction Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Specifying Live Load Reduction Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Implementation of Live Load Reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

26 Calculating Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..115 115 26.1 26.2 26.3 26.4 26.5

Calculating the results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 About analysis errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..116 116 Recalculating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..116 116 Reviewing the calc log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Decreasing calculation time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

119 27 Viewing the Results  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..119

27.1 Type of results

iv

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..119 119

RAM Conce pt 

27.2 27.3 27.4 27.5

Viewing frequently used results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 Viewing other results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..122 122 Section distribution plots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..122 122 Miscellaneous results information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..124 124

127 28 Plotting Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..127

28.1 28.2 28.3 28.4 28.5 28.6 28.7

Setting the plotted results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..127 127 Slab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..127 127 Reaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..127 127 Strip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..128 128 Section Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..128 128 Section Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..129 129 Punching Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..129 129

29 Using the Auditor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..131 131 29.1 29.2 29.3 29.4 29.5 29.6 29.7

How the Auditor can assist the design process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 About the three design steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..131 131 About the information displayed by the Auditor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Using the Auditor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..132 132 Using the Auditor for guidance on post-tensioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 About the information displayed by the Punching Check Auditor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Using the Punching Check Auditor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

135 30 Using the Estimate  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..135

30.1 30.2 30.3 30.4

Viewing the estimate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..135 135 What the estimate calculates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..135 135 Editing the unit costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..135 135 About unit costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..135 135

137 31 Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..137

31.1 31.2 31.3 31.4 31.5 31.6 31.7 31.8

Basic printing instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..137 137 General printing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..137 137 Print setup options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..137 137 Determining the fit of plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..138 138 Printing the desired perspective viewpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 Previewing the print job . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..138 138 Printing optimizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..139 139 Changing the report contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..139 139

143 32 Exporting Plans and Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..143

32.1 Exporting a plan 32.2 Exporting a table

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..143 143 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..143 143

33 Exporting a Database to the RAM Structural System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145 33.1 About the export of reactions 33.2 About the export of geometry

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..145 145 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..147 147

149 34 Using Strip Wizard  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..149

34.1 Starting Strip Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..149 149 34.2 Specifying general parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..149 149 34.3 Entering span data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..149 149 34.4 Entering support data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..150 150 34.5 Adding drop caps and drop panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 34.6 Entering the loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..151 151 34.7 Specifying the post-tensioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..151 151 34.8 Specifying reinforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..152 152 34.9 Completing Strip Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..153 153 34.10 Generating the mesh and calculating results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..153 153 34.11 Loading and saving Strip Wizard settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153

RAM Conce pt 

v

35 General Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..155 155 35.1 35.2 35.3 35.4 35.5

Learning RAM Concept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..155 155 Beams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..156 156 156 Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..156 Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..157 157 Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..157 157

159 36 Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..159

36.1 Capabilities and Modeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..159 159 159 36.2 Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..159 36.3 Plans and perspectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..160 160 36.4 Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..160 160 36.5 Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..161 161 36.6 Sign Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..161 161 36.7 Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..161 161 36.8 Tendons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..162 162 36.9 Loadings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..164 164 36.10 Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..164 164 36.11 Design Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..164 164 36.12 Punching Shear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..165 165 36.13 Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..165 165 169 37 Errors and Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..169

37.1 37.2 37.3 37.4

Meshing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..169 169 Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..170 170 Tendons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..170 170 Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..171 171

175 38 Simple RC Slab Tutorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..175

38.1 38.2 38.3 38.4 38.5

Defining the structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..175 175 Drawing the loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..177 177 Defining the design strips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..177 177 Drawing punching shear checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..179 179 Calculate and view the results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..180 180

189 39 PT Flat Plate Tutorial: ACI 318-02  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..189

39.1 39.2 39.3 39.4 39.5 39.6 39.7

Import the CAD drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..189 189 Define the structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..189 189 Define the loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..192 192 Define the post-tensioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..194 194 Create the design strips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..198 198 Regenerate the mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..201 201 Calculate and view the results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..202 202

207 40 PT Flat Plate Tutorial: AS3600-2001  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..207

40.1 40.2 40.3 40.4 40.5 40.6 40.7

Import the CAD drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..207 207 Define the structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..207 207 Define the loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..210 210 Define the post-tensioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..212 212 Create the design strips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..216 216 Regenerate the mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..221 221 Calculate and view the results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..222 222

227 41 PT Flat Plate Tutorial: BS8110 / TR43  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..227

41.1 41.2 41.3 41.4 41.5 41.6

vi

Import the CAD drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..227 227 Define the structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..227 227 Define the loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..229 229 Define the post-tensioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..232 232 237 Create the design strips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..237 Regenerate the mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..240 240

RAM Conce pt 

41.7 Calculate and view the results

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..241 241

245 42 PT Flat Plate Tutorial: IS 456 : 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..245

42.1 42.2 42.3 42.4 42.5 42.6 42.7

245 Import the CAD drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..245 Define the structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..245 245 Define the loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..248 248 Define the post-tensioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..250 250 Create the design strips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..254 254 Regenerate the mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..259 259 Calculate and view the results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..260 260

43 Mat Foundation Tutorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..265 265 43.1 43.2 43.3 43.4 43.5 43.6

Import the CAD drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..265 265 Define the structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..265 265 Define the loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..267 267 Create the design strips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..269 269 Regenerate the mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..273 273 Calculate and view the results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..274 274

277 44 Strip Wizard Tutorial  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..277

44.1 Start Strip Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..277 277 44.2 Set the general parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..277 277 44.3 Enter the span data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..277 277 44.4 Create the supports below . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..278 278 44.5 Add drop caps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..278 278 44.6 Specify the loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..278 278 44.7 Define the post-tensioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..278 278 44.8 Specify the reinforcement parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278 44.9 Complete the Strip Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..278 278 44.10 Proceed with RAM Concept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..279 279 44.11 Comparison with PT Flat Plate Tutorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279 44.12 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..279 279 281 45 Analysis Notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..281

45.1 45.2 45.3 45.4 45.5 45.6 45.7 45.8 45.9

Review of plate behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..281 281 Finite element analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..285 285 Orthotropic behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..286 286 Deep beam considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..286 286 Wall behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..291 291 Post-tensioning loadings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..292 292 293 Self-equilibrium analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..293 Design strip and design section forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294 Result categories in RAM Concept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297

301 46 Section Design Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..301

46.1 General Design Approach

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..301 301

311 47 Live Load Reduction Notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..311

47.1 Live Load Reduction for Loadings, Load Combinations and Rule Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311 47.2 Tributary Area Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311 47.3 Influence Area Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..312 312 47.4 ASCE-7 Live Load Reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..314 314 315 47.5 IBC 2003 Live Load Reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..315 47.6 UBC 1997 Live Load Reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..315 315 47.7 AS/NZS 1170.1-2002 Live Load Reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315 47.8 BS 6399-1:1996 Live Load Reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316 47.9 IS 875 (Part 2) - 1987 Live Load Reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316 47.10 Mat Foundations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..316 316 47.11 Special Member Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..316 316

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48 ACI 318-99 Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .319 48.1 48.2 48.3 48.4 48.5 48.6

ACI 318-99 default loadings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .319 ACI 318-99 default load combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .319 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323 ACI318-99 / ASCE-7 / IBC 2003 live load factors ACI 318-99 material behaviors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .323 ACI 318-99 code rule selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .324 ACI 318-99 code implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .327

49 ACI 318-02 Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335 49.1 49.2 49.3 49.4 49.5 49.6

ACI 318-02 default loadings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335 ACI 318-02 default load combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335 ACI318-02 / ASCE-7 / IBC 2003 live load factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339 ACI 318-02 material behaviors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .339 ACI 318-02 code rule selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .341 ACI 318-02 code implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .344

50 AS 3600-2001 Design  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .353 50.1 50.2 50.3 50.4 50.5 50.6

AS 3600-2001 default loadings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .353 AS 3600-2001 default load combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .353 AS3600 / AS/NZS 1170.1 live load factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357 AS 3600-2001 material behaviours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357 AS 3600-2001 code rule selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .358 AS 3600-2001 code implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .361

51 BS 8110: 1997 Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .369 51.1 51.2 51.3 51.4 51.5 51.6

BS 8110 / TR 43 default loadings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .369 BS 8110 / TR 43 Default Load Combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .369 BS 8110 / BS 6399-1 live load factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372 BS 8110/TR43 material behaviours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .372 BS 8110 / TR 43 code rule selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .375 BS8110 / TR43 code implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .379

52 IS 456 : 2000 / IS 1343 : 1980 Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .391 52.1 52.2 52.3 52.4 52.5 52.6 52.7

IS 456 / IS 1343 default loadings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .391 IS 456 Default Load Combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391 IS 875 (Part 2) live load factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .394 IS 456 material behaviours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .395 IS 456 code rule selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .398 IS 456 code implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .402 IS 1343 code implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .406

53 Estimating deflections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .411 53.1 About RAM Concept’s deflection calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411 53.2 About detailed deflection predictions using ECR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413 53.3 Using RAM Concept to predict deflections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416 53.4 Simplified deflection predictions using contour plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416 53.5 Detailed deflection predictions using weighted ECR values for permanent live loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 417 53.6 Detailed deflection predictions using weighted ECR values for transient live loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 418 53.7 Detailed deflection predictions using strip based deflection plots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 420 53.8 Using strip based deflection plots for slabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 421 53.9 Summary of RAM Concept’s deflection capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 426 53.10 Effect of user-defined reinforcement on deflection calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 427

54 Punching Shear Design Notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .429 54.1 54.2 54.3 54.4 54.5 54.6

viii

Punching shear overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .429 How does RAM Concept handle punching shear? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 429 Using Concept's results to specify stud shear reinforcement (SSR) systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 432 Column connection type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432 ACI 318 Punching Shear Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .433 AS 3600-2001 Punching Shear Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .437

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54.7 EN 1992-2004 Punching Shear Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .440 54.8 Sign convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .444 54.9 Advice on the selection of punching check properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 445 54.10 Miscellaneous information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .446 54.11 Some final words of advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .446

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RAM Conce pt 

Chapter 1

1 Introduction RAM Conce pt  is an analysis and design program that uses the finite element method for elevated concrete floor systems, or mat foundations. The floors or mats can be  post-tensioned concrete (PT), reinforced concrete (RC), or hybrid (a mixture of PT and RC). Conce pt  is extremely  powerful and allows you to design an entire floor in one model, or design individual strips or beams. In this context, the term “design” means that: • The user defines the following: structural geometry, loads, load combinations, and post-tensioning layout (if applicable). • Conce pt calculates (for any number of load combinations): the required amount of reinforcement for flexure and one-way shear according to relevant code requirements; the stud shear reinforcement (SSR) for punching shear, stresses for flexure, and deflections.

A model consists of anything from a single simply supported beam or slab to an entire floor. All models are three-dimensional (even those developed with Strip Wizard). Conce pt  does not generally use strip methods other than to replicate the intent of concrete code rules, and with the Strip Wizard interface.

 Note: The Equivalent Frame method is not used.

1.1 Comparing with “traditional” methods Historically, the vast majority of concrete floors have been analyzed by approximating a region of a slab as a frame ( or design strip), and then analyzing the frame/strip using variations of conventional frame or moment distribution analysis techniques. There are two limitations to this approach. First, in irregular structures, the approximation of the real structure into a frame model could be grossly inaccurate and designing with the analysis results might not even satisfy equilibrium requirements in the real structure. The second limitation is that even in regular structures with regular loadings, the frame analysis approximates the slab/column interaction and provides no information regarding the distribution of forces across the design strip. RAM Conce pt  enables you to design post-tensioned and reinforced concrete slabs by using a finite element model of the entire slab. Conce pt  can predict the elastic behavior of a slab much more accurately than frame models. In addition, the finite element method guarantees that the analysis satisfies all equilibrium requirements, regardless of a structure’s irregularities.

RAM Conce pt 

1.2 RAM Concept options RAM Conce pt  is available in several configurations. Start with either, or both, of the following reinforced concrete modes: • RAM Conce pt  for Mats (RC)  Analysis and design of reinforced concrete mat foundations (rafts) of any size and shape. • RAM Conce pt  for Elevated Slabs (RC) Analysis and design of reinforced concrete floor systems of any s ize and shape.

Increase RAM Conce pt ’s analysis and design capabilities  by adding the Post-tension option to either, or both, of the above: • RAM Conce pt  PT option (post-tensioned option for slabs or mats) Analysis and design of post-tensioned floors or mats in conjunction with reinforced concrete.

1.3 Strip Wizard  Strip Wizard uses text input to generate a model. This allows the designer to perform quick preliminary design in 2-D, or final design of straightforward structures. Strips generated by Strip Wizard are three-dimensional, but  boundary conditions are automatically introduced which effectively model 2-D behavior. All models use the finite element method. You can use Strip Wizard to desi gn a beam or one-way slab without many mouse clicks. It can provide an initial design of tendons and profiles, negating the need for the designer to start with a guess.

1.4 Structural systems You can use RAM Conce pt  for models that contain any combination of the following: • one-way slab systems • two-way slab systems •  beams • girders • “wide shallow” beams (that behave similarly to slabs) • ribs (joists)

1

Chapter 1 • waffles (two-way rib systems) • mats (rafts) • openings

There may be steps and changes in thickness and elevations for all of these items. Conce pt  is not effective, or you cannot use it directly, for the following:

Conce pt  now automatically adds cross sections where ever a Span Segment crosses a slab surface or soffit step. Improved Punching Shear 

Concept now includes the following features: • Design of punching shear reinforcement (stud shear reinforcement, or SSR). • AS 3600 punching shear checks

• deep beams using the strut and tie method

• BS8110 (based on EC2) punching checks.

• I-shaped sections

• Mat / raft punching checks.

• ramps

Orthotropic Slab Behavior 

• concrete sections with internal voids or cells

In most cases, you could model ramps with a large number of steps. The authors do not recommend that you do this for evaluating post-tensioning behavior, as it is not particularly relevant.

You can now model one-way slabs, twist-free sl abs and torsion-free beams. See “Orthotropic behavior” on  page 286 of Chapter 45, “Analysis Notes” for further information. Lateral Self-Equilibrium Loadings

1.5 New features in Version 2  RAM Conce pt  2.0 has many new features. It also has some features that work differently than in previous versions. It is highly recommended that, before using Conce pt  2.0, you review the new features section below.

Concept has a new type of loading - the  Lateral Self Equilibrium Loading . These loadings must contain a selfequilibrium set of loads. These loadings are very useful for designing slabs for lateral forces that have been analyzed in a building frame analysis. See “Loading properties” on  page 29 of Chapter 10, “Specifying Loadings”, and “Selfequilibrium analysis” on page 293 of Chapter 45, “Analysis Notes” for further information.

It is important that, before using Conce pt  2.0 with an old (pre-version 2.0) file, you review the Upgrading Old Files section.

User Minimum Rebar Designer 

1.5.1 About the new features

See the design strip property description on  page 90 of Section 22.5, and either page 341 of Chapter 49, “ACI 31802 Design”, page 359 of Chapter 50, “AS 3600-2001 Design”, or page 376 of Chapter 51, “BS 8110: 1997 Design” for more information.

Improved Design Strips

Design Strip Segments have been replaced by Span Segments and Span Segment Strips (otherwise known as Design Strips). Span Segments represent spans (or portions of spans) and are directly controlled by the us er. RAM Conce pt  generates Span Segment Strips. See Figure 22-4 “Flow diagram of the design strip process” on page 87  for more information. A preliminary layout of span segments can be automatically generated using the Generate Spans command. This layout may need some manual editing after generation. Conce pt  automatically detects supports and their widths where ever a Span Segment  ends on a support. Conce pt  now calculates column and middle strips automatically. See “Span segment properties” on page 88.

You can now specify a minimum amount of reinforcement to be designed at the top and/or bottom of each design strip (span segment strip).

There is also a deflection example on  page 427 of Chapter 53. Minor New Features

Smarter Auditor: The Auditor can now audit both span segment strips and design sections. Also, it now only considers the visible cross sections in a plan. Spacing Design: The design of longitudinal reinforcement can now be displayed using bar spacings instead of bar quantities. More Design Section Information: design section designs can now show number of bars and spacing.

Cross sections are now trimmed automatically by the  program. See “Cross Section Trimming” on page 97.

2

RAM Conce pt 

Chapter 1 Multi-sided Area Loads and Area Springs: area loads and area springs can now have an arbitrary number of sides and need not be convex. Plotting on Any Layer and Drawing: Any plot can now be displayed on any drawing. For example, bending moment contours can now be show on the tendon plans. Extension Snaps: any snapping mode can now be modified  by the “extension snap” button. This allows snapping similar to AutoCAD's extension snap feature.

Recommendations for Old Files

We do not recommend that you upgrade old files that contain models that have been fully designed or are nearing final design. We recommend that you upgrade files that contain partially designed slabs. This will require a small amount of work to modify the automatically created Span Segments, but this effort will be offset by the new features available in Conce pt  2.0.

Revised Menus: Conce pt 's menu structure is now more similar to the rest of the RAM Structural System.

1.6 Technical support  Changes to the Calc Option Procedure

The Calc Options dialog box no long appears when you calculate. Calc Options are accessible through the Criteria menu.

1.5.2 Upgrading Old Files Most of the improvements in Conce pt  2.0 are fully compatible with Conce pt  1.x files. However, there is one major exception - design strips. The new Span Segments do not have the “ignore top depth” and “ignore bottom depth” properties of design strips; instead they have more useful settings for auto-trimming and inter-cross-section slopes (see “Cross Section Trimming” on page 97). Due to this difference, a Conce pt  1.x file cannot be opened in Conce pt  2.0 and used without some investigation. More than likely, you will need to make manual changes to the Span Segments. Automatic Conversions

Each Design Strip Segment in a Conce pt  1.x file is converted into a Span Segment and a related Span Segment Strip in Conce pt  2.0. Except for the ignore depth settings , the two new entities will faithfully represent the design strip segment. The created Span Segment will have strip regeneration “locked” to prevent accidentally removing the Span Segment Strip that matches the Design Strip Segment. If new Span Segment Strips are generated, they may be very different from the ones created when the file was converted to Conce pt  2.0.

RAM Conce pt 

RAM International prides itself on the quality of its product support. We want you to get the maximum benefit from your purchase of RAM Conce pt . If you have any questions,  please contact us. For customer support, please contact:

North, Central and South America RAM International 2744 Loker Avenue West Carlsbad, CA 92008 USA Tel: 1-800-726-7789 Fax: 1-760-431-5214 [email protected] Europe RAM International (Europe) Ltd. 4 Woodside Place, Glasgow, G3 7QF UK  Tel: +44 (0) 141 353 5168 Fax: +44 (0) 141 353 5112 [email protected] Australia, Asia, Middle East Bentley Systems Adelaide, Australia Tel: +61 (8) 8362 9013 Fax: +61 (8) 8362 8519  [email protected]

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Chapter 1

4

RAM Conce pt 

Chapter 2

2 Looking at the Workspace This chapter provides a basic orientation to the RAM Conce pt  interface.

To start a new file:

1 Start RAM Conce pt  and choose File > New. 2 Specify options in the New File dialog box and then click

OK.

2.1 About the workspace

To start a new file from a template:

1 Start RAM Conce pt , and choose File > New.

When you create a new file, RAM Conce pt  generates layers, plans and perspectives for you to begin design. As you open windows in the workspace, RAM Conce pt  activates the relevant toolbars. Workspace with a plan open:

2 Click Copy File in the New File dialog. 3 Select the file or template you want to copy.

2.2.2 Opening an existing file Use File > Open to open an existing RAM Conce pt  file. For quick access, Conce pt  keeps track of the last ten files you opened and lists them at the bottom of the File menu. To open a file:

1 Choose File > Open. 2 Select the RAM Conce pt  file you want to open.

 Note: See “Upgrading Old Files” on page 3 for discussion on using files from an earlier version.

Figure 2-1 A.Standard toolbar for general operations. B. Menu Bar contains the set of menus for the program. Includes the File, Edit, Criteria,  Layers, Tools, Process, Report, View, Window, and Help menus. C. Action Tools for manipulating the current view. D. Snap toolbar for setting coordinate snaps for the active plan. E. General Tools for editing the active  plan window. F. Layer Specific Tools for editing the active plan window. G. Report Contents Window for viewing, opening, and reordering report  sections. H. The active window. I. Status Bar for program status information. J. Command Prompt for displaying tool relative instructions and the current cursor location in plan coordinates.

2.3 Saving a file Save your files often. When you save, you ensure that the file is stored on your computer even in the event of a power failure or system crash. To save and name a file for th e first time:

1 Choose File > Save As (since the file has not yet been

saved, you could also choose File > Save). 2 Select the folder in which to save the file.

2.2 Creating and opening files

3 Type a name for your file and click Save. Conce pt  adds

the filename extension .cpt if not provided. When you start RAM Conce pt , you can create a new file or open an existing file. You can also create a new file based on a template.

2.2.1 Starting a new file When creating a new file, you make basic decisions about your model in the New File dialog, which appears when you choose File > New. You specify the type of slab, code and units to use. You can copy an existing Conce pt  file or template by clicking Copy File on the New File dialog.

RAM Conce pt 

To save any open file:

1 Choose File > Save (if you have not yet saved the file,

and the Save As dialog box appears, follow the previous steps for saving for the first time). To save a file as a template:

1 Choose File > Save Template. 2 Click Continue on the warning message box. 3 Type a name for the template and click Save. Conce pt 

adds the filename extension .cpttmp (if not provided) and saves the file without the objects.

5

Chapter 2

2.3.1 Saving a copy of a file with a new name or location

2.5 Expanding tool buttons

Use the Save As command to create a copy of a file and change its name or location. The original file and the copy are completely separate and any work you do on one file does not affect the other.

Some tool button icons have a small triangle in the lower right corner ( ). This indicates that there are other similar tools available for this button. Press down on the left mouse  button for one second over the tool button to reveal a popup menu. Select a tool from the menu. The s elected tool  becomes the new tool for that button.

2.3.2 Reverting to a backup copy Expanding tool button with pop-up:

For version control, Conce pt  creates a copy of your last save every time you save your file to allow you to go back to an older version if necessary. Conce pt  creates the file with the filename extension .cpt.bak1. If you need to revert to an older version of a file, use the  backup copy created by Conce pt .

2.3.3 Restoring an auto-save file As a safety net, Conce pt  automatically saves a copy of your working file in the same folder as the original and with the filename extension .autosave. Conce pt  updates the autosave file approximately every 2 minutes if you have made changes to your original file. Once you save your file, Conce pt  deletes the auto-save file since your saved version is up to date. We recommend that you save often to prevent loss of work. If a computer malfunction or loss of power occurs while you are using Conce pt , when you restart Conce pt  it detects the last auto-save file and open it automatically. If you open a second copy of Conce pt  while one is running, the second copy may detect the auto-save file of the first and open it. In this case, just close the auto-save file and continue.

Figure 2-2  Pressing down on the left mouse button for one second over the Selection tool reveals a pop-up menu.

2.6 Rearranging toolbars 2.4 About templates A template file contains everything a normal file includes (such as specification settings, plans, etc.) but has no objects. You can create a template from any RAM Conce pt  file by choosing File > Save Template. Conce pt  saves a copy of your file without any objects and with the .cpttmp filename extension. For details on how to save a template, see “To save a file as a template:” on page 5 . Copy an existing template file by choosing File > New and clicking Copy File to create a new file based on the template. For more information on starting a new file from a template, see “Starting a new file” on page 5.

6

You can move the toolbars in RAM Conce pt  to suit your  particular work habits. To move a tool bar, click on the handle of the toolbar and drag the toolbar to its new location. The toolbar handle is two lines on the right edge of horizontal toolbars or at the top edge of vertical toolbars. The toolbars snap to the edges of the application window or can remain floating in the workspace.

2.7 Using the right mouse button RAM Conce pt  provides some of the commands available from the menus or toolbars in a special context-sensitive  pop-up menu that appears when you click the right mouse  button. The contents of the menu vary depending on where you click, what window is active, and whether there is a current selection.

RAM Conce pt 

Chapter 2

2.8 Undoing changes RAM Conce pt  provides multiple levels of undo to correct mistakes or reverse actions you have taken. Conce pt  limits the amount of memory used to record undo information. Conce pt  is therefore able to undo more small operations (deleting 10 objects) than large operations (deleting 1000 objects). Choose Edit > Undo to reverse the last action

RAM Conce pt 

taken. To redo a command that has been undone, choose Edit > Redo.

 Note: The Undo command cannot reverse the Generate  Mesh and Calc All commands. All changes you have made are committed once you perform one of these operations.

7

Chapter 2

8

RAM Conce pt 

Chapter 3

3 Understanding Layers In RAM Conce pt , objects (such as walls, columns, slab areas, springs, loads, tendons, design s trips, etc.) make up the structural model. Since there are so many objects involved in modeling a structure, Conce pt  uses layers to organize these objects.

Drawing Import Layer 

A layer is a collection of related objects and each object i n Conce pt  resides on one and only one layer. You can handle all of the objects on a single layer as a group or individually.

Mesh Input Layer 

3.1 Modeling with objects

This layer contains all the imported CAD drawing information. Conce pt  automatically stores any imported drawings on this layer.

This layer contains the objects that define the geometry of the structure. Conce pt  uses these objects to generate corresponding finite element objects on the Element Layer.  Layer-Specific Objects: Column, Wall, Slab Area, Slab Opening, Beam, Point Support, Line Support, Point Spring, Line Spring, Area Spring. Element Layer 

Since objects make up the structural model, they are more than a combination of points and lines. Each object is an individual entity with properties. Column object properties, for example, include concrete mix, height, width, depth, and more. You draw some objects on plans, and RAM Conce pt  creates some objects automatically when you generate the finite element mesh or run an analysis calculation. If you have wall, column, and slab area objects on the Mesh Input layer, Conce pt  creates corresponding wall element, column element, and slab element objects on the Element layer when you generate the finite element mesh. If you want to create or edit objects on a layer, use the plans on that layer. When you draw columns on the Standard Plan of the Mesh Input layer, you are creating objects on the Mesh Input layer. These objects belong to the layer and not the plan. They are editable by any plan on the Mesh Input layer, but not by plans on any other layer. Each object is an individual entity so you can manipulate it both separately and together with other objects on the same layer.

This layer contains the finite element objects. These objects can be generated by Conce pt  based on the information on the Mesh Input Layer, or can be created by hand.  Layer-Specific Objects: Column Element, Wall Element, Slab Element, Point Support, Line Support, Point Spring, Line Spring, Area Spring. Loading Layers (Self-dead, Balance, Hyperstatic, Temporary Construction (at Stressing), Other Dead, Live (Reducible), Live (Unreducible), Live (Storage), Live (Roof) and User-defined)

These layers contain all the information that defines the loads on the structure. In Conce pt , a loading is a set of loads applied as a group, such as the live loads. The loading layers also contain the loading analysis results. Conce pt  provides the self-dead, balance, and hyperstatic loading layers by default and you cannot delete them. You can define an unlimited number of loadings and Conce pt  creates a corresponding layer for each.  Layer-Specific Objects: Point Loads, Line Loads, Area Loads.

 Note: You cannot edit the load objects on the Self-Dead

3.2 Managing layers

 Loading Layer, Balance Loading Layer, and Hyperstatic  Loading Layer. Pattern Layer 

RAM Conce pt  performs most of the layer management automatically. Almost all of the layers you need to design a structure are already in place when you start a new file. Conce pt  adds appropriate layers when you create new Loadings, Load Combinations, and Rule Set Designs.

 Note: You can create and edit a separate group of Line Objects, Dimension Objects, and Text Note Objects on every layer.

RAM Conce pt 

This layer contains the load patterns for the structure.  Layer-Specific Objects: Load Patterns. Design Strip Layer 

This layer contains the design strips, design sections and  punching checks for the structure.  Layer-Specific Objects: Span Segments, Span Boundaries, Strip Boundaries, Design Sections, Punching Checks.

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Chapter 3 Tendon Layers (Latitude and Longitude)

These layers contain the layout of post-tensioning tendons and jacks for the structure. Although there are two tendon layers, Latitude and Longitude, there is no requirement to use both layers. You can draw tendons on the tendon layers in whatever manner you wish.

Rule Set Design Layers (Code Minimum, User Minimum, Initial Service, Service, Sustained Service, Strength, Ductility)

These layers contain the rule set design analysis and design results.

 Note: The rule set designs listed are for ACI318, AS3600 and BS8110 use some different terminology.

 Layer-Specific Objects: Tendon, Jack. Design Summary Layer  Load Combination Layers (All Dead, Dead and Balance, Initial Service, Service, Sustained Service, Factored, LT Uncracked Deflection and User-defined)

These layers contain the load combination analysis results.

This layer contains the summary of all the design results. The summary information is automatically created by Conce pt  when you Calc All. You cannot create, edit, or delete the objects on this layer but you can view them.

 Note: The load combinations listed are for ACI318.  AS3600 and BS8110 use some different terminology.

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RAM Conce pt 

Chapter 4

4 Using Plans and Perspectives Plan windows are used to create, view, and edit objects in two dimensions while perspective windows provide a three dimensional view of those objects.

4.1 Using plans A plan is a view of the geometric model and results. You can view any object on any plan. You can only create and edit an object on a plan belonging to the object’s layer. For example, an other dead  load can only be edited on a plan  belonging to the Other Dead Loading  layer. Objects are drawn and edited with tools located in LayerSpecific toolbars, and the Tools menu. The available tools are dependent on which plan is the active window in the workspace. Once you draw an object on a plan, the object  belongs to that plan’s layer.

 Note: For information on drawing and editing objects, see the following chapter.

4.2 Creating new plans

appear larger than far objects of the same size. The Parallel Projection ( ) and Perspective Projection ( ) toggles control which way the image is rendered. One, and only one, of these toggles is always set.

4.3.2 Selecting the modeling The Wire Frame Modeling ( ) and Solid Modeling ( ) toggles control how the image is rendered. The wire frame is made of only the edges of the visible objects whereas the solid model shows the visible objects’ surfaces. The solid model is more realistic, however the wire frame image is often useful since it allows you to see through the model. One, and only one, of these toggles is always set.

4.3.3 Rotating the model Use the Rotate about x- and y-axes tool ( Rotate about z-axis tool ( screen’s x-, y-, and z-axes.

) and the

) to rotate the model about the

To rotate the model:

1 Select the Rotate about x- and y-axes tool (

Create new plans when you need additional ones to those  provided by default. To create a new plan:

Rotate about z-axis tool (

) or the

).

2 Click once on the perspective window to begin and move

the cursor until you position the m odel as desired. 3 Click on the perspective again to set the view.

1 Choose Layers > New Plan. 2 Enter a name for the plan. (Conce pt  automatically

 prepends the layer name and appends the word “Plan”).

4.4 Creating new perspectives

3 Select the layer on which you want the plan and click OK.

Create new perspectives when you need additional ones to those provided by default.

4.3 Viewing perspectives Perspectives provide a three dimensional view of the model. You can view the model from any angle by rotating the perspective about the x-, y-, and z-axes. The model can  be viewed in parallel projection or perspective projection and can be modeled as a solid or wire s tructure.

4.3.1 Setting the projection You can render the model in either parallel o r perspective  projection. In parallel projection, lines that are parallel in the original model are also drawn parallel in the three dimensional image. In perspective projection, near objects

RAM Conce pt 

To create a new perspective:

1 Choose Layers > New Perspective. 2 Enter a name for the perspective. (RAM Conce pt 

automatically prepends the layer name and appends the word “Perspective”). 3 Select the layer on which you want the plan and click OK.

4.5 Controlling views You can manipulate the plan and perspective windows to show the desired view or information. Zooming and

11

Chapter 4  panning allow you to change what portion of the model you are viewing. RAM Conce pt  usually regenerates the view automatically. It is sometimes necessary, however, to use the Redraw command ( screen.

) to update the image on the

Plans and perspectives represent unique views of the model. You control which object types are visible and their colors, font, and line type for each plan and perspective.

4.5.3 Regenerating Regenerating the view is necessary when anything occurs that invalidates the current view. When you generate the mesh, analyze the model or change the settings, the open windows may need updating. In most cases, RAM Conce pt  automatically regenerates for you. If you find that the view is not up to date, click Redraw ( in the active window.

) to regenerate the view

4.5.1 Zooming to magnify or diminish

4.5.4 Setting the visible objects

Use zooming to magnify or diminish the plan or  perspective view. If you have a mouse with a wheel button, roll the wheel to zoom in and out at the cursor location.

Use the Visible Objects dialog box to set which objects types are visible on a plan or perspective. Plans and  perspectives can show objects from any layer, but you can only edit objects on a plan from the object’s layer.

Zoom In (

) and Zoom Rectangle (

) magnify the

view. Zoom Out ( ) diminishes the view. You can set the view to encompass the entire model by using Zoom Extent (

). To get back the previous zoom ratio use Zoom

Previous (

).

To magnify or diminish the view with the mouse wheel button:

1 Place the cursor on a location over the active plan or  perspective window. This is the zoom center point. 2 Roll the mouse wheel button away from you to zoom in,

and toward you to zoom out. To magnify a specific area in the view:

1 Select the Zoom Rectangle tool (

).

2 Fence the area you want to magnify.

Figure 4-1 Visible Objects dialog box (Mesh Input tab)

To show or hide objects on a plan or perspective:

4.5.2 Panning to reposition Panning allows you to reposition the view in the plan or  perspective window. If you have a mouse with a wheel  button, press down on the wheel over the view and pan. You can use the Pan tool ( ) to move the view as well. In addition, plans have scroll bars along the bottom and right side of the window that you can use to reposition the view.

1 Make the plan or perspective the active window. 2 Choose View > Visible Objects (

).

3 Click on the tab for the object’s layer.

The plan or perspective’s layer is the one initially selected. 4 Check boxes to show objects and uncheck to hide

objects, then click OK.

 Note: You can also right click to see a popup menu that To reposition the view with the mouse wheel button:

includes the Visible Objects command.

1 Press down on the mouse wheel button over the active

 plan or perspective window. 2 Pan the view into position and release the wheel button. To reposition the view with a tool:

1 Select the Pan tool (

).

2 Click once on the plan to begin panning, click again when

the view is in the desired position.

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4.5.5 Changing colors, font, and line type Each plan and perspective has an associated appearance scheme that dictates the colors, font, and line type used for the objects shown. When a plan or perspective is the active window, you can select and modify its appearance s cheme using the Appearance dialog. If you change the settings of an appearance scheme, it affects all the plans and  perspectives that use that scheme. You can create as many

RAM Conce pt 

Chapter 4 appearance schemes as you need to customize the look of your plans and perspectives. When you create a new plan or perspective, the window initially uses the default scheme.

You can select the color of every drawn object t ype for each appearance scheme. You can also set t he background, grid and highlight colors. If an object type has no color selected ( ), RAM Conce pt  uses the color setting for the object’s layer. For example, you can set the Tendon object color to no selection, and then set the Latitude Tendon layer to red and Longitude Tendon layer color to blue. RAM Conce pt  uses the foreground color in the case that you have selected neither the object type color nor the layer default color. To change the colors in an appearance scheme:

1 Choose View > Appearance (

).

2 Select the appearance scheme (if a plan or perspective is

the active window, the selection is already t he scheme set for that window). 3 Select the item from the drop-down list (if changing

 plotting colors skip this step). 4 Click on the color selection box for the item and choose

Figure 4-2  Appearance dialog 

a color.

To set the appearance scheme for a plan or perspective: 5 Make the plan or perspective the active window. 6 Choose View > Appearance (

).

Lines of drawn objects can be set to solid, dashed, or dotted. Reference lines have Line Type and Line Width  properties that are independent of the appearance scheme setting.

7 Select the scheme from the list of schemes on the left side

of the Appearance dialog and click OK.

 Note: You can also right click to see a popup menu that includes the Appearance command. To create a new appearance scheme:

1 Choose View > Appearance (

).

2 Click New below the list of schemes in the Appearance

dialog.

4.5.6 Changing font size You can change the font size in two ways. In the appearance schemes, you can select the font size for all text other then text notes. With the font buttons, you can temporarily change the font size. To temporarily change the font size:

1 Click Enlarge Fonts (

3 Type a name for the new scheme and select the base

scheme. The settings from the base scheme initialize the new scheme.

) or Shrink Fonts (

).

 Note: The temporary font size change only affects the active window and RAM Concept discards the change when the window is closed.

To delete an appearance scheme:

1 Choose View > Appearance (

).

2 Select the scheme you want to delete from the list of

schemes in the Appearance dialog. 3 Click Delete below the list of schemes to delete the

highlighted scheme.

You can select the font scale so that the font size either changes or stays unchanged as you zoom in and out on a  plan. To set the font scale:

To set a new default scheme:

1 Choose View > Appearance (

4.5.7 Changing font scale

).

2 Select the scheme you want to make the new default

scheme from the list of schemes in the Appearance dialog. 3 Click Set As Default below the list of schemes to make

1 Choose View > Appearance (

).

2 Select the appearance scheme (if a plan or perspective is

the active window, the selection is already t he scheme set for that window).

the highlighted scheme the new default scheme. RAM Conce pt  uses this scheme to initialize newly created plans and perspectives. RAM Conce pt 

13

Chapter 4 3 Enter the font scale and click OK.

 Note: A font scale of zero causes the font to stay a constant  size regardless of the plan scale. A non-zero value scales the  font to be the same relative size as you zoom in and out.

To make the grid visible for a plan:

1 Make the plan the active window. 2 Choose View > Grid. 3 Check Show Grid and click OK.

 Note:  If you want the grid to be visible on all plans then check Set for all Plans.

4.6 Setting up the grid

 Note: You can also right click to see a popup menu that includes the Grid.

A grid can be set up to help you draw objects accurately by  providing snap points at a designated spacing. The Plan Grid Setup dialog allows you to make the grid visible and to change the spacing, origin, and rotation angle of the grid. You can change the grid setting f or the active plan window or all plan windows at once.

To change the grid settings for a plan:

1 Make the plan the active window. 2 Choose View > Grid. 3 Enter values in the Plan Grid Setup dialog box and click

OK.

 Note:  If you want the grid settings to apply to all plan windows then check Set for all Plans.

Figure 4-3  Plan grid dialog box

14

RAM Conce pt 

Chapter 5

5 Drawing and Editing Objects Drawing objects is the cornerstone of using RAM Conce pt . There are many tools available to make this as straightforward as possible. To create or edit objects on a layer, use the plans on that layer. You draw and edit objects on plans using the tools from the Layer-Specific toolbar.

In general, the snap extension setting causes the other snap calculations to behave as if the line segments displayed extended to be infinitely long lines. The specific changes to the other snap settings are: • Intersection: intersections between infinite lines (defined by visible line segments) are snappable points. • Point: no effect. • End Point: no effect.

5.1 Precision drawing with snaps RAM Conce pt  provides drawing tools and settings to help you work precisely. Snap tools allow you to snap the cursor to precise points on objects or locations on the screen. Using snaps is a quick way to specify an exact location on an object without drawing construction lines or knowing the exact coordinate. Whenever you move your cursor over an object, RAM Conce pt  identifies snap points based on what snaps are active. To turn on a snap, click on its button. Click on the button again to turn off the snap. ) snaps to the intersection of Snap to Intersection ( any two lines including polygon vertices. ) snaps to any defined point such as Snap to Point ( the center of a column, end point of a line, or vertex of a  polygon. ) snaps to the end points of lines Snap to End Point ( (including vertices of polygons).

Snap to Mid Point (

) snaps to the mid points of lines.

) snaps to the point Snap Nearest Snapable Point ( on a drawn object nearest to the cursor.

Snap Orthogonal ( ) snaps orthogonally in the direction of the grid’s local x- or y-axis. This need not be  parallel with the global x- and y-axes. Snap to Perpendicular  ( from the last click to a line. Snap to Center  ( columns. Snap to Grid (

•  Nearest: nearby infinite lines (defined by visible line segments) are snappable. • Orthogonal: no effect. • Perpendicular: perpendicular point on infinite lines (defined by visible line segments) are snappable. • Center: no effect. • Grid: no effect.

5.2 Drawing objects To draw objects on a plan, first select a drawing tool by clicking on it or choosing it from th e Tools menu. The selected tool will be the active drawing tool for the plan until you select a new tool. Follow the command prompts for points to enter (see Figure 2-1 on page 5). For example, with a Mesh Input layer plan open, and the Column tool selected, the command prompt will read “Enter column center point:”. If you are drawing with a tool and wish to cancel what you have drawn, click the right mouse button, or press the Esc key. If you need to reposition or magnify the view while you are drawing and do not want to cancel the work you are doing, use the mouse wheel button to pan or zoom. See “Controlling views” on page 11 for more information on how to use the mouse wheel button.

) snaps perpendicularly

) snaps the center of polygons and

) snaps to the grid.

Snap Extension ( ) does not create a snapping mode  by itself, but it affects the behavior of some of the other snap settings. RAM Conce pt 

• Mid Point: no effect.

5.3 Entering coordinate points Each point on a plan is a location represented by coordinates. Many tools require you to locate one or more  points on a plan. With a tool selected, you can enter points  by clicking at a location on the plan, entering the coordinates in the command line, entering the relative coordinates in the command line, or by using snaps.

15

Chapter 5

5.6 Deselecting objects

To enter coordinates:

1 With the appropriate tool selected, type the x- and y-

coordinates separated by a comma (e.g. 10, 5).

You can deselect objects from the current selection by holding the Shift key while you select objects to remove from the selection.

5.4 Using relative coordinates

To deselect an object or group of objects from a selection:

1 Choose the Selection tool (

Relative coordinates locate a point on a plan by referencing it to the last point entered. They can be very useful for moving and copying objects a set distance. To enter relative coordinates:

) or the Utility tool (

).

2 Hold down the Shift key as you fence the objects in the

selection you want to deselect. This deselects the selected objects within and crossing the rectangular area, and selects any objects in the rectangular area not previously selected.

1 With the appropriate tool selected, type the letter “r”

To deselect only a single object from a selection:

followed by the x- and y-coordinates separated by a comma (e.g. r10, 5).

1 Choose the Selection tool (

) or the Utility tool (

).

2 Hold down the Shift key as you double click on the object

in the selection you wish to deselect. When you are deselecting, RAM Conce pt  interprets a very small rectangle as a double click.

5.5 Selecting objects Before you can edit objects on a plan, you must s elect them. Use the Selection tool ( ) or the Utility tool ( ) to select objects on a plan. You select visible objects by fencing the area in which they are located. For example, if you have a slab opening (on the Mesh Input layer) in the middle of a slab, fencing the opening selects both the opening and the slab area because the rectangle crosses the slab area and surrounds the opening. If you want t o select  just the opening, double click on it. You can select any single object by double clicking on it. To add objects to the current selection, hold the Shift key down as you select. To select an object or group of objects:

1 Choose the Selection tool (

) or the Utility tool (

To cut or copy objects, first select the objects then choose the appropriate command from the Edit menu. RAM Conce pt  places objects that you cut or copy on the Windows clipboard. The coordinate locations of objects  pasted from the clipboard are the same as the coordinate location from where you copied or cut them. RAM Conce pt  makes the pasted objects the current selection, so you can reposition them after you paste. To cut objects:

).

2 Click at opposite corners of a rectangle. This selects

objects within and crossing the rectangular selection area. (Hold down the Shift key on th e first click to add objects to the current selection.)

1 Select the object or group of objects you want to cut. 2 Choose Edit > Cut (or right-click and choose Cut from

the popup menu that appears). To copy objects:

1 Select the object or group of objects you want to copy.

To select only a single object:

1 Choose the Selection tool (

5.7 Cutting, copying, and pasting objects

) or the Utility tool (

).

2 Double click on the object you wish to select (Hold down

the Shift key as you click to add the object to the current selection). When you are selecting, RAM Conce pt  inter prets a very small rectangle as a double click.

2 Choose Edit > Copy (or right-click and choose Copy

from the popup menu that appears). To paste objects from the clipboard:

1 Choose Edit > Paste (or right-click and choose Paste f rom

the popup menu that appears). You can also copy and move, rotate, stretch or mirror an object in one step by pressing the Shift key while you use the Move tool (

), Stretch tool (

), Rotate tool (

)

or Mirror tool ( ). See “Moving, rotating, stretching, and mirroring objects” on page 17 for more information.

16

RAM Conce pt 

Chapter 5

5.8 Moving, rotating, stretching, and mirroring objects

5.9 Using the Utility tool to move and stretch

An object or group of objects must be selected before using the Move tool (

), Stretch tool (

), Rotate tool (

)

or Mirror tool ( ) (See “Selecting objects”). If you hold down the Shift key on the first click of a move, rotate, or mirror, the operation will be performed on a copy of the selection rather then the selection itself.

To move an object by one of its grips:

To move a selection:

1 Select the object or group of objects to move. 2 Choose the Move tool (

The Utility tool ( ) is a multi-purpose tool used for selecting, moving, and stretching objects. See “Selecting objects” on page 16 for information on how to select objects with the Utility tool. Once you have selected an object or group of objects, you can move or stretch a grip  point by snapping to it on the selection.

).

3 Enter the point from which to move (hold down the Shift

key as you click to move a copy of the selection). 4 Click on the point to where you want the object, or group

of objects, to move.

1 Choose the Utility tool (

).

2 Select an object or group of objects. 3 Snap to a grip point and position the cursor in the top half

of the snap area until you see the move cross cursor ( ) then click. (Hold down the Shift key as y ou click to move a copy of the selection.) 4 Click on the point to where you want the object, or group

of objects, to move.

To stretch the selection:

1 Select the object or group of objects to stretch.

To stretch an object by one of its grips:

2 Choose the Stretch tool (

1 Choose the Utility tool (

).

3 Snap to the point you want to stretch on the selection

(limited to highlighted control points). 4 Click on the point to where you want the object, or group

of objects, to stretch.

2 Select an object or group of objects. 3 Snap to a grip point and position the cursor in the bottom

half of the snap area until you see the stretch cursor ( then click.

)

4 Click on the point to where you want the object, or group

To rotate a selection:

1 Select the object or group of objects to rotate. 2 Choose the Rotate tool (

).

of objects, to stretch.

).

3 Enter the rotation center point (hold down the Shift key

as you click to rotate a copy of the selection).

5.10 Manipulating the model as a whole

4 Enter the rotation start angle or a point to create a line to

rotate.

The Move Model tool (

5 Click on the new end point of the rotation line or enter an

end angle.

), and

) work just like the Move tool

( ), Mirror tool ( ), and Rotate tool ( ) except they affect the whole model (all layers). You can also scale the

To mirror the selection:

1 Select the object or group of objects to mirro r. 2 Choose the Mirror tool (

Rotate Model tool (

), Mirror Model tool (

entire model with the Scale Model tool (

).

).

3 Enter the two points that create the line across which you

To move the entire model:

would like to mirror the selected object(s). (Hold down the Shift key as you click to mirror a copy of the selection.)

1 Choose the Move Model tool (

).

2 Enter the start point. 3 Enter the move point. To rotate the entire model:

1 Choose the Rotate Model tool (

).

2 Enter the rotation center point (hold down the Shift key

as you click to rotate a copy of the model).

RAM Conce pt 

17

Chapter 5 3 Enter the rotation start angle or a point to create a line to

To set the default properties for an object drawing tool:

rotate.

1 Double click on the drawing tool or with the tool

4 Click on the new end point of the rotation line or enter an

selected, choose Tools > Current Tool Properties.

end angle.

2 Specify default property values in the Properties dialog

and click OK. To mirror the entire model:

1 Choose the Mirror Model tool (

).

2 Enter the two points that create the line across which you

would like to mirror the model (hold down the Shift key as you click to mirror a copy of the model).

When you now use the tool, it will draw objects with the specified default properties.

 Note: Changing the default properties of an object drawing tool does not change the properties of such objects already drawn.

To scale the entire model:

1 Choose the Scale Model tool (

).

2 Enter a scale center point. 3 In the Scale Model dialog box, enter the relative scale

factors and click OK.

5.13 Adding reference lines, dimensions, and text notes The Line tool (

5.11 Editing object properties The properties of an object define its individual characteristics. For example, the properties of a Line object include the Line Type and Line Width. Some objects’  properties can be edited together as a group. Specifically, you can always modify objects of the same type together, and you can often modify objects of different types but with similar properties together. For example, you can edit the Concrete Mix and Height properties of Column and Wall objects together.

), Dimension tool (

), and Text tool

( ) are all used to add information to plans. These objects are not part of the structural model and RAM Conce pt  does not consider them when generating the mesh or calculating results. As for all objects, the lines, dimensions and text objects belong to the layer on which they are drawn. To draw a line:

1 Choose the Line tool (

).

2 Click at the line start point (or enter the coordinates in the

command line). 3 Click at the line end point (or enter the coordinates in the

To change the properties of an object or group of objects:

command line).

1 Select the object or group of objects. 2 Choose Edit > Selection Properties, or right-click and

To draw a dimension line:

choose Selection Properties.

1 Choose the Dimension tool (

3 Specify the property values in the Properties dialog and

2 Click at the start point.

click OK.

3 Click at the end point.

).

4 Click at the offset point where the dimension line will be

located.

5.12 Setting default properties

To draw text:

1 Choose the Text tool (

It is useful to set the default properties of object drawing tools so that when you use the tool the drawn object has the desired properties. This is valuable when many objects will have the same properties.

).

2 Click at a point (or enter the coordinates in the command

line). 3 Right click and choose Selection Properties. 4 Enter the text and its properties.

18

RAM Conce pt 

Chapter 6

6 Viewing Objects in Text Tables A text table shows all the objects of a particular type on a specific layer. Tables provide a customizable textual view of each objects’ properties. You can access text tables from the Tables folder of any layer. To open a text table:

1 Go to the Tables folder of t he object type’s layer. 2 Open the appropriate text table from the folder.

For example, the text table for Walls Below on the Mesh Input layer can be opened by choosing Layers > Mesh Input > Tables > Walls Below.

6.1.1 Choosing which rows and columns to show Customize the table columns and rows by clicking on the Customize button above the table. In the Customize dialog  box, you can select which rows and columns are visible in the table. Check the columns you want to see and uncheck the columns you want hidden. To make a table column visible or hidden:

1 Click on the Customize button above the table. 2 In the Customize dialog box, to make a column visible,

check the checkbox. To hide the column, uncheck the checkbox. 3 Click OK.

6.1.2 Sizing table columns You can resize columns by changing the width of the column header. To resize the width of the column:

1 Place your cursor on the line between two columns on the

table header and press down on the left mouse button. 2 Drag the table header to its new width and release the l eft Figure 6-1  Mesh Input: Walls Below Table

mouse button. The table will print as seen on screen so the column widths you set will appear the same way on paper.

6.1 Customizing tables 6.1.3 Sorting table rows You can choose which columns and rows are visible in the table, and the column widths. You can also sort the rows  based on a particular column’s values in ascending or descending order.

RAM Conce pt 

To sort the table rows according to the values in a column, click on the column header once for ascending order. Click on the column header again to sort in the descending order.

19

Chapter 6

20

RAM Conce pt 

Chapter 7

7 Choosing Units RAM Conce pt  allows you to work with three unit systems: US, SI and MKS. Some designers refer to the US units system as “US customary units”, and others call it “Imperial”. SI and MKS are metric unit systems, with MKS using mass rather than weight. It is up to you which system you use but local practice should dictate your choice.

2 Do one of the following:

• Select each unit by accessing the appropriate drop down box. • Select a unit system by clicking on US, SI, or MKS at the top of the window.

 Note: There is often a long list of choices for the units. Scroll down the drop down menu to view the options.

The choice of actual units is more subjective. For example, after choosing the US system, one designer might use the default area load units of pounds per square feet, and another might change the selection to kips per square feet.

7.1 About units Internally, RAM Conce pt  performs all calculations with the SI unit system. It converts all property values into an equivalent SI unit prior to calculation. Once complete, it converts the values back into the selected units for reporting. It is possible to mix unit systems (e.g. pounds and meters)  but this is not advisable.

7.2 Selecting units A new file has default units that you can change at any time.

7.2.1 Selecting the default units The default units depend on how you created the file. When you use a template or an existing file, the default units are those of the source. When you create a file using the New command, you only have a choice of default units for ACI 318 (US or SI). For all other codes, the default units are SI.

7.2.2 Changing the units You can change either the unit system or individual units. To change the units:

1 Choose Criteria > Units.

Figure 7-1 Units Window

7.3 Specifying report as zero RAM Conce pt  allows you to filter out trivial results with the Report as Zero option. For example, column reactions have components for Fr, Fs, Fz, Mr and Ms. Some of these values, such as Fr and Fs, may be very s mall and hence not important. Filtering small values from plan plots can make the results easier to read.

 Note: Using this feature could result in human error, as  you might later assume zeroed values are exactly equal to  zero. You specify Report as Zero in the Units window.

RAM Conce pt 

21

Chapter 7 To specify Report as Zero:

1 Choose Criteria > Units.

2 Enter one or more Report as Zero values.

 Note: You can also turn off plotted values such as Fr and  Fs with the plot menu. See “Setting the plotted results” on  page 127.

22

RAM Conce pt 

Chapter 8

8 Choosing Sign Convention RAM Conce pt  allows you to choose the sign convention for loads, analysis and reactions. RAM Conce pt  uses the Cartesian coordinate system with the following sign convention for axes:

Fy In the positive y-direction (see coordinate axes). Fz In the negative z-direction (see coordinate axes). Mx (moment about the X-axis) Per right-hand-rule. My (moment about the Y-axis) Per right-hand-rule. Mz (moment about the Z-axis) Per right-hand-rule.

You cannot change the sign of the coordinates’ axes.

Positive analysis

Sign convention dictates how you input parameters and how RAM Conce pt  displays results. For example, the sign convention of an applied load dictates whether the input value is positive or negative.  Note that changing a sign setting does not change the real value of any previously specified data. For example if a +10 kips downward load was specified when RAM Conce pt  had a downward-positive load sign convention and then the load sign convention was changed to upward positive, the load value would now be reported as -10 kip,  but the load would still be a 10 kip downward load. Similarly, a change in sign convention does not affect the true value of results. When you add loads after a change in sign convention, you must observe the new sign convention.

8.1 Selecting sign convention A new file has a default sign convention that you can change at any time.

8.1.1 Default sign convention The default sign convention depends on how you created the file. If you use a template or an existing file then the default sign convention is that of the source.

Figure 8-2 Top row, left to right: Vertical Eleme nt Shear, Element Bending,  Element Axial, Vertical Deflection. Bottom row, left to right: Horizontal Shear, Twist, Lateral Deflection, Angular Deflection.

Vertical element shear  Positive z-shear on the positive x- and y-faces. Element bending Tension bottom face. Element axial Tension. Vertical deflection In negative z-direction (down). Horizontal shear  Positive y-shear on Positive x-face (equivalent to Positive x-shear on Positive y-face). Twist Positive x-axis moment on positive x-face (equivalent to negative y-axis moment on positive y-face). Lateral deflection Positive in x- and y-axes directions. Angular deflection Per right-hand-rule about x- and yaxes. Positive reactions

When you create a file (not from a t emplate), the sign convention is as follows:

Figure 8-3  Left to right: Fx, Fy, Fz, Coordinate Axis, Mx, My, Mz.

Positive loads

Fx In the positive x-direction (see coordinate axes). Fy In the positive y-direction (see coordinate axes). Fz In the positive z-direction (see coordinate axes).

Figure 8-1  Left to right: Fx, Fy, Fz, Mx, My.

Mx (moment about the x-axis) Per right-hand-rule.

Fx In the positive x-direction (see coordinate axes).

My (moment about the y-axis) Per right-hand-rule.

RAM Conce pt 

23

Chapter 8

Mz (moment about the z-axis) Per right-hand-rule.

8.2 About plot sign convention

 Note: The only difference in defaults between Pos itive  Loads and Positive Reactions is Fz. This is because point loads are usually down if positive, and vertical reactions are usually up if positive.

8.1.2 Changing the sign convention You can change the sign convention for any l oads or results, but only one at a time. To change the sign convention:

1 Choose Criteria > Signs. 2 Change each positive sign by clicking the appropriate

With the exception of vertical deflection, line plots show  positive results plotted above the axis line. This ensures that plots do not appear upside down. For axis lines that are  parallel to the y-axis (and hence have no “above the axis line” direction), line plots show positive results to the left of the axis line.

 Note:  Line plots show positive vertical deflection below the axis line. Perspectives are plotted with positive results in the global z-direction (what is considered positive is dependent upon the sign convention of the Value Plotted). For example, a  perspective of deflection shows positive deflection up.

graphic. The direction changes. You cannot change the sign of the coordinates’ axes.

Figure 8-4 Signs Window

24

RAM Conce pt 

Chapter 9

9 Specifying Material Properties RAM Conce pt  uses materials as part of the input and the results. You specify concrete mixes and post-tensioning systems as part of the input and Conce pt  reports reinforcement bar requirements as part of the results. You can use the materials provided or create your own. For example, you might want to redesign the floor with the actual tested strength of the concrete poured on s ite. In this case, you would create a new concrete mix defined with that strength. You can delete any of the materials that you find are unnecessary.

9.1 Viewing the available materials The Materials window shows the names and properties of concrete mixes, PT systems and reinforcing bars. To view the materials:

1 Choose Criteria > Materials.

9.2 Material properties The following is a list of Material properties:

9.2.1 Concrete Mix Mix Name The label used to identify a concrete mix. T he mix name is not necessarily the concrete strength. Each column, wall, slab and beam has a concrete mix property. Density The concrete mass density (used to calculate selfweight and sometimes the modulus of elasticity). f’ci The characteristic cylinder strength of the concrete mix at the time of applying prestress (also known as initial strength). f’c The characteristic cylinder strength of the concrete mix.

 Note:  f ’ ci and f’ c are used for all codes except BS8110. f cui The characteristic cube strength of the concrete mix at the time of applying prestress (also known as initial strength). f cu The characteristic cube strength of the concrete mix.

 Note:  f cui and f cu are only used for BS8110. Poisson’s Ratio The negative of the ratio of lateral strains to axial strains for an axially loaded material. This is usually 0.2 for concrete. Ec Calc The method used to calculate Young’s Modulus (for both initial characteristic strength and characteristic strength). This can be according to one of the code rules listed or a specified value. User Eci The user defined Young’s Modulus used for initial cross section analysis. User Ec The user defined Young’s Modulus used for global analysis, service cross section analysis and strength design.

9.2.2 PT Systems System Name The label used to identify a PT system. It usually describes the system, such as s trand size and  bonding. Type Whether the system has unbonded or bonded strand. Figure 9-1 The Materials window.

Aps The cross sectional area of one strand. Since strand is usually comprised of seven wires then the area is more complicated than Πd2/4. RAM Conce pt 

25

Chapter 9

Eps The Young’s Modulus of the strand at zero strain.

Fy The yield stress of the SSR reinforcement.

f se The assumed effective stress in t he strand after all losses. Using jacks overrides this assumption. See “About  jacks” on page 83 for further information.

Stud Spacing Rounding Increment Specifies an increment to which all stud designs are rounded down. For example, specifying a larger number forces a larger number of designs to have the same spacing, creating the potential for “grouping” of designs at different columns.

f py The yield stress of the strand. f pu The ultimate stress of the strand. Duct Width The width or diameter of bonded tendon duct. Max Strands Per Duct The maximum number of strands in a bonded tendon (use 1 for unbonded tendons). Minimum Radius The minimum vertical radius that allows satisfactory placement of tendons in the field. You should consult with a local PT supplier. A value of zero disables radius checking for this PT system. Jacking Stress / Anchor Friction / Wobble Friction  / Angular Friction / Seating Distance / Long -Term Losses Friction loss calculations use these properties. They have no effect unless tendon jacks are used. See “Jack  properties” on page 83 of Chapter 21, “Defining Tendons” for further information.

Min Studs Per Rail Specifies the minimum number of studs that Conce pt  designs on any rail. This can be useful in a number of situations. For example, if one face of a column has a small overhang for which the designer does not want SSR reinforcement, this minimum stud number can be increased to prevent the design of rails on that face.

9.3 Adding and deleting materials You can add materials to define properties of concrete mixes, PT systems and reinforcing bars. You can delete materials as long as at least one material of each type remains. To add materials:

1 Choose Criteria > Materials. 2 Click Add Concrete Mix, or Add PT System, or Add

9.2.3 Reinforcing Bars Bar Name The label used to identify a reinforcing bar. It usually refers to the bar’s diameter. As Cross sectional area of the bar. Es The Young’s Modulus of the bar. Fy The yield stress of the bar.

 Reinforcing Bar , or Add SSR System. 3 In the dialog box that appears, enter a name for the new

material and click OK. A new row appears at the bottom of the appropriate table. 4 Enter the property value for each cell in the new row. To delete materials:

1 Choose Criteria > Materials. 2 Click Delete Concrete Mix, Delete PT System, or Delete

9.2.4 SSR Systems SSR System Name The label used to identify a SSR (stud shear reinforcement) system. It usually describes the system, such as stud size.

 Reinforcing Bar , or Delete SSR System. A dialog box appears with a list of the available materials. 3 Choose the material to delete and click OK.

Stud Area Cross sectional area of the stud stem that is used in strength calculations

9.4 About post-tensioning systems

Head Area The area of the stud head, generally about 10 times the stem area. Conce pt  uses this to calculate the head diameter for clear spacing calculations.

There are two types of systems considered i n RAM Conce pt .

Min Head Spacing The minimum clear spacing between stud heads along the length of a rail. The design will not succeed if this value is too large.

• Unbonded systems: greased strand encased in plastic sheathing. • Bonded systems: bare strand within grouted ducts.

Specified Stud Spacing The desired stud spacing for the SSR design. If set to “none”, Conce pt  automatically designs the stud spacing. 26

RAM Conce pt 

Chapter 9 Strands are typically comprised of seven wires spirally wound. There are two dominant strand sizes used in  building construction:

For further discussion on post-tensioning systems, see Chapter 21, “Defining Tendons”.

• 0.5 inch diameter (12.7 mm) • 0.6 inch diameter (15.2 mm)

RAM Conce pt 

27

Chapter 9

28

RAM Conce pt 

Chapter 10

10 Specifying Loadings A loading is a set of point, line and area loads applied as a group. You define loading properties in the loadings window. You draw the actual loads on the loading plans. Loadings can be added (e.g. seismic, snow, soil and wind). Loadings can be deleted (other than those of a special type, as described in “About loading types” below). RAM Conce pt  can perform pattern (or skip) loading and you define the factors that control this process in the loading window.

10.1 About default loadings

Live (Storage) Loading Live (Roof) Loading Different sets of live loads. See “About loading types” on  page 30 for further description.

Service Wind North Loading The set of wind loads in the north-south direction (for mat defaults only). Service Wind East Loading The set of wind loads in the east-west direction (for mat defaults only). Ultimate Seismic North Loading The set of seismic loads in the north-south direction (for mat defaults only). Ultimate Seismic East Loading The set of seismic loads in the east-west direction (for mat defaults only).

RAM Conce pt  provides default loadings for self-weight,  post-tensioning and gravity loads. For mat files, Conce pt   provides additional default loadings for wind and seismic.

10.2 Viewing the loadings

Self-Dead Loading This is the self-weight of the concrete. All other dead loading is superimposed.

The Loading window lists the different loadings and their type and pattern factors.

Balance Loading Post-tensioning tendons and anchors apply internal loads to the concrete structure. We call this set of loads the Balance Loading because you normally design the post-tensioning to balance or offset the other loadings applied to the slab.

To view the Loadings:

1 Choose Criteria > Loadings. 2 If there are many loadings, scroll down to view them all.

Hyperstatic Loading The hyperstatic loading is a theoretical loading that considers the restraining effect of the supports on the structure as it tries to deform due to the application of post-tensioning. Many people use the term “secondary” in place of “hyperstatic”. The loading is not necessarily secondary in nature. Conce pt  calculates the effects of the hyperstatic loading for all objects (elements, springs, supports, design sections, design strip segments and punching checks) as described in “Post-tensioning loadings” on page 292. Figure 10-1  Loadings Window

Temporary Construction (At Stressing) Loading This set of superimposed loads applies before stressing of  post-tensioning tendons. This loading is rarely used, and you need not consider it for RC structures. Other Dead Loading This set of superimposed dead loads applies to PT structures after stressing of posttensioning tendons. It is simply the superimposed dead loads for RC structures. Live (Reducible) Loading Live (Unreducible) Loading

RAM Conce pt 

10.3 Loading properties Loadings have the following properties:

Loading Name The label used to identify the loading. Loading Type See “About loading types” on page 30  for more information. Analysis The type of analysis, which can be  Normal ,  Hyperstatic or Lateral SE .

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For information on Lateral SE , see “Self-equilibrium analysis” on page 293 of Chapter 45, “Analysis Notes”.

Live (Reducible) Loadings of this type contain typical floor live loads that are reducible. See Chapter 47, “Live Load Reduction Notes” for detailed information regarding how each live load reduction code handles loadings of this type.

On-Pattern Factor  The factor that applies to loads that are located within the loading pattern when performing  pattern-loading calculations. See “About load pattern” on  page 32 for more information.

Live (Unreducible) Loadings of this type contain typical floor live loads that are not reducible (typically assembly loadings - see “About snow, parking and assembly loads” on page 31).

Off-Pattern Factor  The factor that applies to loads that are not located within the loading pattern when performing  pattern-loading calculations.

Live (Storage) Loadings of this type contain typical floor live loads that are reducible using special storage loading reduction rules. For live load reduction to most codes, it is appropriate to use this loading type for parking loads (see “About snow, parking and assembly loads” on page 31).

A Hyperstatic analysis is used for only the Hyperstatic Loading described in “About default loadings” on page 29.

 Note: Concept ignores the pattern factors if both factors are the same value. Setting both factors to 2.0 is identical to  setting both factors to 1.0

10.4 About loading types Every loading in RAM Conce pt  has a loading type. Conce pt  uses loading type to generate the appropriate load combinations from the defined set of loadings, and to apply appropriate live load reductions. See “Rebuilding load combinations” on page 35 for information on how Conce pt  generates load combinations.

10.5 Available loading types The available loading types are:

Self-Weight The structure’s concrete self-weight loads are always generated with this loading type. There is always one and only one loading of this type. Balance As described in “About default loadings” on  page 29. There is always one and only one loading of this type. Hyperstatic As described in “About default loadings” on  page 29. There is always one and only one loading of this type. Stressing Dead Loadings of this type contain superimposed loads applied before stressing of posttensioning tendons. This loading type is rarely used and is generally not considered for other loading conditions. You need not consider it for RC structures.

Live (Roof) Loadings of this type contain typical roof live loads - except snow - that are reducible. RAM Conce pt never reduces these loads (the RAM Structural System may reduce these loads). Other  Loadings of this type contain loads of an unspecified nature. RAM Conce pt  never considers these loadings except in manually created or edited load combinations (or load combinations created in previous files). All loading from F LOOR  versions 2.3 and before, and RAM Conce pt  versions 1.3 and before (except self-dead,  balance and hyperstatic) are given this type; it is often useful to change the loading types of these loadings from earlier program versions. Service Wind Loadings of these types contain wind loads at service force levels. Service Wind Loading N is assumed to correspond to Ultimate Wind Loading N (if it exists ). Ultimate Wind Loadings of these types contain wind loads at ultimate force levels. Ultimate Wind Loading N is assumed to correspond to Service Wind Loading N (if it exists). Service Seismic Loadings of these types contain s eismic loads at service force levels. Service Seismic Loading N is assumed to correspond to Ultimate Seismic Loading N (if it exists). Ultimate Seismic Loadings of these types contain seismic loads at ultimate force levels. Ultimate Seismic Loading N is assumed to correspond to Service Seismic Loading N (if it exists). Most of these loading types are also available in a “transfer” variation. See “About Transfer Loading Types” on page 31 for more information.

 Note:  All loading types except self-weight, balance and hyperstatic may be used for more than one loading.

Dead Loadings of this type contain permanent dead loads other than those from the self-weight type.

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Chapter 10

10.5.1 About snow, parking and assembly loads

10.6 Changing Loading Types

Snow, parking and assembly loadings deserve special consideration

The type of any loading (except Self-Dead, Balance and Hyperstatic) may be changed in the Loadings window.

Snow loads Snow loads should generally be drawn on a Live (Unreducible) Loading layer.

To change a loading type:

Parking and assembly loads It is recommended that, in order to get the appropriate factors, you draw parking garage loads on a Live (Storage) layer and assembly loads on a Live (Unreducible) layer.

2 Click the loading type of the loading name.

Refer to the live load reduction section listed below for detailed information regarding how a specific code handles loadings of this type: • “ACI318-99 / ASCE-7 / IBC 2003 live load factors” on  page 323 • “ACI318-02 / ASCE-7 / IBC 2003 live load factors” on  page 339 • “AS3600 / AS/NZS 1170.1 live load factors” on  page 357 • “BS 8110 / BS 6399-1 live load factors” on page 372

1 Choose Criteria > Loadings.

A drop down menu appears. 3 Select the new loading type.

10.7 Changing Analysis The analysis of any loading (except Self-Dead, Balance and Hyperstatic) may be changed in the Loadings window. To change an analysis:

1 Choose Criteria > Loadings. 2 Click the analysis of the loading name.

A drop down menu appears.

10.5.2 About Transfer Loading Types Almost all of the loading types previousl y discussed are available with a “transfer” variation. The transfer variations represent loads transferred from the structure above onto the level under consideration (via columns or walls). A few loading types are not available with a transfer variation, or have a somewhat different meaning with a transfer variation. These are:

Self-Weight There is no transfer variation of this loading type. Balance The transfer variation of this l oading type is for loads generated by the tendons in the structure above the level under consideration. Unlike the non-transfer balance type: multiple loadings of this type may exist; the loadings do not contain loads generated from the tendons; and the loadings of this type are user-editable. Loadings of this type are considered in the calculation of hyperstatic effects. Hyperstatic There is no transfer variation of this loading type. Stressing Dead There is no transfer variation of this loading type.

3 Select the new analysis.

10.8 Adding and deleting loadings At times, you may wish to add loadings such as seismic or snow. Conversely, you may choose to delete loadings such as Temporary Construction (At Stressing) Loading. To add a loading:

1 Choose Criteria > Loadings. 2 Click Add Loading. 3 Enter a name for the new Loading in the Add Loading

dialog box and click OK. The new loading appears in a row at the bottom of the table. 4 Enter the Loading Type and Analysis for the new loading. 5 Enter the On-Pattern Factor and Off-Pattern Factor for

the new loading. To delete a loading:

1 Choose Criteria > Loadings. 2 Click Delete Loading.

A dialog box appears with a list of the current loadings. 3 Choose the loading to delete and click OK.

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10.9 About load pattern In structural engineering, pattern loading refers to a load arrangement that ignores or reduces loads on selected spans for the purpose of maximizing moments, shears or reactions. In 2D analysis, it is not difficult to create an algorithm that determines the important patterns, but this is extremely difficult for a 3D program, especially for irregular column layouts and panels. To handle pattern loading, RAM Conce pt  uses the concept of load patterns.

 Note: Some refer to pattern loading as skip loading. 10.9.1 How load patterns work A load pattern creates a (invisible) pattern loading that contains only filtered loads for each standard loading. The On-Pattern and Off-Pattern factors control the filtering. The inclusion and exclusion of loads within the pattern area defines the pattern loading. Conce pt  multiplies loads inside the pattern area by the on-pattern factor and multiplies loads outside the pattern area by the off-pattern factor. The actual pattern area is dependent upon the finite element mesh. See Chapter 20, “Creating Pattern Loading”, for further explanation. On-Pattern areas (shaded) for 6-panel slab:

Figure 10-3  Load Pattern for maximum negative moment (about Y-Y) at  first interior column.

For the figures above, if the live load is 100 psf, the on pattern factor is 0.8 and the off-pattern factor is 0.1 then two pattern loadings are created with a load of 80 psf on the hatched areas and a load of 10 psf on the remainder of the slab. Conce pt  uses the load patterns for a loading - along with the full loading - to determine the design force envelopes for design strip segments, design sections and punching checks.

10.9.2 When to use load pattern Whether you use pattern loading is a matter o f which code you are using and your engineering judgment. Some codes allow you to ignore pattern loading for certain types o f structures and magnitudes of live loading. Common sense should lead you to logical load patterns that produce very close to the maximum moments, shears and reactions. In most circumstances, you only pattern the live loading. There could be circumstances where you pattern other loadings.

Figure 10-2  Load Pattern for maximum positive moment (about Y-Y) in end span

For patterned loads, the on-pattern factor often has a value of 0.75 and the off-pattern factor often has a value of zero. For non-patterned loads, both factors should be 1.0. In special circumstances, the on-pattern factor can exceed a value of 1.0. When in doubt, all on-pattern and off-pattern factors should  be 1.0. This results in no pattern loading. See Chapter 20, “Creating Pattern Loading”, for further discussion.

10.9.3 How load pattern can approximate moving loads You can approximate moving loads by using load patterns.

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Chapter 10 To approximate moving loads:

1 Specify an on-pattern factor of 10 and an off-pattern

factor of zero. 2 Specify load factors (in the load combinations window)

for the “moving” loading of one-tenth their actual values. 3 Define the movement using the load patterns.

RAM Conce pt 

4 Draw the load once in each pattern.

 Note: Concept still analyses a load combination with all the loads present that is included in the envelope. This is the reason for scaling the on-pattern, off-pattern and load  factors - it diminishes the effect of the “all the loads” load combination.

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Chapter 11

11 Specifying Load Combinations A load combination is a factored linear combination of loadings. Strictly speaking, we should call it “loading combination”, but we have adopted the commonly used terminology.

11.1 About default load combinations Codes generally specify which loadings you need to consider in the design of a structure and how you should combine these loadings. RAM Conce pt ’s default load combinations depend on how you created the file. When you use a template or an existing file then the default load combinations are those of the source. When you create a file using the New command the default load combinations depend on the code selected. These load combinations are usually appropriate for the s elected code,  but there may be times when you need to modify the load factors and add loadings. The default load combinations for each code are described in detail in the relevant chapter ( Chapter 48, “ACI 318-99 Design”; Chapter 49, “ACI 318-02 Design”; Chapter 50, “AS 3600-2001 Design”; Chapter 51, “BS 8110: 1997 Design”). Figure 11-1  Load Combination Window

11.2 Viewing the load combinations 11.3 Rebuilding load combinations The Load Combinations window lists the different load combinations and their design criteria and load factors. To view the Load Combinations:

1 Choose Criteria > Load Combinations. 2 If there are many load combinations, scroll down to view

them all.

At times, you may wish to rebuild an existin g load combination that includes a new or revised loading. For example, if a loading’s type changes, it affects the load factors and live load reduction process. You can account for these changes by using the rebuild command. RAM Conce pt  will not automatically update load factors when a loading's loading type changes. RAM Conce pt  only sets the load factors when rebuilding load combinations. To rebuild load combinations:

1 Choose Criteria > Rebuild Load Combos

Another dialog box appears that requires you to specify if the load combinations are for an elevated slab or mat foundation. 2 Select elevated slab or mat foundation 3 Select Rebuild

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11.4 Adding and deleting load combinations At times, you may wish to add lo ad combinations such as seismic plus dead or snow plus dead. Conversely, you might choose to delete load combinations such as Temporary Construction (At Stressing) LC. To add a load combination:

1 Choose Criteria > Load Combinations. 2 Click Add Load Combination. 3 In the dialog box that appears, enter a name for the new

load combination and click OK. Another dialog box appears that requires you to specify the  plans that you want RAM Conce pt  to create (Slab Stress, Slab Deflection and Slab Force). These plans appear in the new load combination’s folder.

11.6 About alternate envelope factors There can be situations where the application of a loading has an unconservative effect on the results. For example • a retaining wall loading that applies compression to a floor. • a cantilever live loading that reduces the internal span moment.

In such circumstances, it is desirable to analyze the structure both with and without the full loading. While you could do this by creating an additional load combination, RAM Conce pt  provides a much simpler solution - Alternate Envelope Factors (AEF). Point Load

4 Choose the plans that you want created and click OK.

The new load combination appears at the bottom of the window.

 Area Load

5 Select the active rule sets. 6 Enter the load factors and the alternative load factors for

each loading in the load combination. To delete a loading:

Figure 11-2 This beam supports dead loads (not shown) and live loads (shown). The live loading reduces the positive span moment. By using an  AEF less than the corresponding load factor, you create a load combination with a reduced live loading. Note that the AEF affects the entire live loading, not just the live load on the cantilever.

1 Choose Criteria > Load Combinations. 2 Click Delete Load Combination.

A dialog box appears with a list of the current load combinations. 3 Choose the load combination to delete and click OK.

11.5 Load combination properties Load Combination Name The label used to identify the load combination. Active Rule Sets These control which rule sets are used for design calculations. Up to four active rule sets can be associated with each load combination. See Chapter 12, “Selecting Design Rules” for further explanation. Load Factor  The factor applied to a particular loading in the load combination. Alternate Envelope Factor  You should only use these if you fully understand the principle involved. Do not set these factors to zero without understanding their use. If you are unsure then set them to equal the corresponding load factors. See below.

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Conceptually, RAM Conce pt  considers alternate envelope factors by analyzing the load combination 2 L times (where L is the number of loadings) - once for every permutation of load factors and alternate envelope factors for all of the loadings. RAM Conce pt  then envelopes the design strip forces, design section forces and punching shear reactions for all of the load combination analyses. RAM Conce pt  uses these force envelopes later for design purposes. You can also plot the force envelopes or view them in t ables. RAM Conce pt  fully considers any pattern loading effects while considering the load factors.  Note that the general analysis forces that are not used as design forces by RAM Conce pt  - such as standard slab  bending moments and deflections - are only stored for the load combination considering the standard load factors. As stated above, you should only use alternate envelope factors if you fully understand the principle involved. Do not set them to zero without understanding their use. If you are unsure then set them to equal the corresponding load factors.

 Note: Concept does NOT consider alternate envelope  factors when calculating tension spring iterations. For this reason, mat foundations supported on area springs should use alternate envelope factors equal to the corresponding RAM Conce pt 

Chapter 11 load factors if there is likely to be lift off. Although lift off usually occurs only when there are lateral loads, it could happen with gravity loads.

11.6.1 Example of Alternate Load Factors Figure 11-3 shows the suggested way to use the factors for a strength design of the ACI318-02 Factored LC.

Figure 11-3  Factored LC load factors and alternate envelope factors.

RAM Conce pt 

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Chapter 12

12 Selecting Design Rules You design concrete floors manually by calculating the resultants (moments, shears and axial forces) of a load combination and applying the appropriate code rules and formula. You You select code rules based upon the type o f member (reinforced slab, post-tensioned beam, etc.) and the type of load combinations. For example, codes intend some load combinations are for strength design and others for serviceability design.

6 A design summary envelopes the reinforcement require-

ments and section status for all rule set design section envelopes. Example:

The following example describes how RAM Conce pt  Conce pt  selects the ACI 318-02 design rules for a post-tensioned  beam with live and wind loadings.

RAM Conce pt  uses  uses a similar method. It sorts code rules into sets of rules and applies them to the resultant envelopes of load combinations. Thus, a rule set design is design is one or more code rules applied to the resultant envelope of one or more load combinations. For example, the set of code formula for bending and shear strength is the strength rule set. Conce pt  Conce pt  applies  applies this rule set to the envelope of all “factored” (or ultimate) load combinations. The strength rule set does not apply to service load combinations. You design most floors or members for more than one rule set. For example, a post-tensioned floor is usually checked for initial service stresses, service stresses and strength, all with different load combinations.

12.1 Using rule set designs designs RAM Conce pt  uses  uses the concept of a design stri p to link finite element analysis with concrete code rules (see Chapter 22, “Defining Design Strips”). Strips” ). Each design strip’s  properties include design system (beam / one-way slab / two-way slab) and the “considered as post-tensioned” option. Design strips contain design cross sections. You assign each load combination active rule set designs in the load combinations window. window. How RAM Conce pt  utilizes  utilizes rule set designs:

1 Load combinations generate envelopes for resultants

(moments, shears, axial forces and torsions). 2 All load combination envelopes with the same rule set

design are in turn enveloped. This is a r ule set design envelope. 3 For each rule set design envelope, design strips generate

rule set design force envelopes.

Figure 12-1  Example of load combinations combinations and and rule sets

RAM Conce pt ’s ’s process is as follows: • The two load combinations generate envelopes for resultants. • The five active rule set designs (service design, code minimum design, user minimum design, strength design and ductility design) each create envelopes from the load combinations. • Each rule set design envelope creates a rule set design section envelope. • The design strip properties of “Structural system: beam” and “consider as post-tensioned” determines the f ollowing rules from ACI 318-02 are applicable:

4 Each design strip determines which code rules are appro priate for each rule set design. Design strip properties impact which particular rules are used.

• Strength Design: rules 18.7.2 (flexural strength) and 11.4 and 11.5 (shear strength) are used with the  beam clauses.

5 Design and checking rules are applied to the rule set

• Minimum Design: rule 18.9.2.

design section envelopes.

RAM Conce pt 

• Service Design: rules 18.3.3 and 18.4.2 (b).

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Chapter 12 • These rules are applied to the rule set design section envelopes. • The reinforcement requirements and section status for all rule set design section envelopes are in turn enveloped for a design summary.

Strength Design

Rules to ensure section has sufficient strength in bending and shear for factored (or ultimate) moments, and minimum shear reinforcement. Ductility Design

Rules intended to produce ductile behavior. behavior.

12.2 Rule set set design properties The following is a list of rule set design properties:

Name This relates to the rule set design. It most cases it is the same as the active rules, but there can be exceptions (see adding rule set designs - below). Active Rules This describes the set of rules applied by this rule set.

12.3 Types of active rules The available ACI 318-02 active rules are: Code Minimum Design

Rules for minimum reinforcement (shrinkage, detailing, etc.) based upon geometry rather than stress or moment level. Does not include shear reinforcement.

12.4 Adding and deleting rule set designs Adding a duplicate rule set design allows you to separate the results for different load combinations with the same active rules. For example, if a strength design is required for three different load combinations (1. Dead and Live; 2. Dead, Reduced Live and Snow; 3. Seismic) then you could keep the results separate by creating two new rule set designs with names such as “Snow” and “Seismic” which  both use the code strength rules. This way you can view the strength reinforcement requirements separately. separately. You can delete non-applicable rule set designs to simplify the file. For example, in ACI 318-02, initial service design, and sustained service design are not required for floors without post-tensioning. Another example is DL + 0.25LL Design is not required if the UBC is not used. To add a rule set design:

1 Choose Criteria > Design Rules. User Minimum Design

Reinforcement based on user defined reinforcement ratio. See the design strip property description on  page 90 of 90 of Section 22.5. 22.5. Initial Service Design

Checks of PT floor stresses just after application of  prestress (when dead load is minimal). Service Design

Checks of PT floor stresses due to service loads.

2 Click Add Rule Set Design.

Type a name for the new Rule Set Design in the Add Rule 3 Type Set Design dialog box and click OK. A dialog box appears that requires you to specify the plans that you want created (Top and Bottom Reinforcement, Shear Reinforcement and Punching). 4 Choose the plans that you want created and click OK.

The new rule set design appears at the bottom of the window. 5 Select the active rules.

Rules for reinforcement bar based upon bar stress levels. To delete a rule set: Sustained Service Design

1 Choose Criteria > Design Rules.

Checks of PT floor compression stresses due to sustained loads.

2 Click Delete Rule Set Design.

A dialog box appears with a list of the current rule set designs. 3 Choose the rule set design to delete and click OK.

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